Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 17: A milestone with the words, 'Malpe 0' written on it was located in front of the Malpe port gate. Now it is lying near State Bank. A picture of the condition of the milestone and speculation about whether Malpe-based entrepreneurs were behind this development, was being discussed on the social website of late. Many people insisted that the milestone should have remained near the port gate and speculated that Malpe-based entrepreneurs might be behind this act.

Udupi MLA, K Raghupathi Bhat, brought the curtains down on this speculation. He said that false information is being conveyed on social media about the milestone placed near Malpe by the highway authorities.

He said that the entire stretch of road from Udupi to Malpe Harbour gate will be developed into a four-lane road. He asked the people not to be unnecessarily perturbed.

"An estimate for Rs 65 crore for the road development from Adi Udupi to Malpe has been sent to the union government; a sum of Rs 12 crore has been earmarked separately for land acquisition. Processes are on, and works will be taken up soon," he assured.

The people want the Malpe-Thirthahalli national highway 169 A to be widened till Karavali Junction. The land acquisition process for this six km road is progressing very slowly. With the addition in facilities at Malpe like the seawalk and entertainment activities, more travellers are coming and drivers are facing traffic problems. On weekends, the problem gets very acute. therefore, there is a need to widen this road urgently.